The “flu” is a contagious respiratory illness that is caused by a virus that infects the nose, throat, and sometimes lungs. Although symptoms in some people are mild, the flu can cause severe illness and even death. Older adults are at a higher risk for serious flu complications, especially if they already have pre-existing medical conditions. People aged 65 years and older account for 50-70% of flu-related hospitalizations, and 70-90% of flu-related deaths. The best way to prevent the flu is by getting a flu shot every year at the start of the flu season.
The tips and resources below will help you learn about the actions you can take to protect yourself and others from the flu and at the same time stop the spread of germs.
- Avoid Close Contact: Avoid contact with people who are sick. At the same time if you are sick keep your distance from others to protect them from getting sick too.
- Stay Home: If you are sick stay home and avoid going outside. This will help prevent spreading your illness to others.
- Cover your mouth and nose: When coughing or sneezing it is important to cover your mouth and nose. It reduces the chances of people around you getting sick. Furthermore, Flu viruses spread mainly by droplets made when people with the flu cough, sneeze, or talk.
- Wash your hands: Wash your hands often. It destroys the germs and bacteria that could possibly cause the flu. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand rub.
- Avoid touching your face: Germs spread when a person touches something that is contaminated with germs and then touches his/her eyes, nose, or mouth.
- Practice good health habits: Clean and disinfect frequently especially when someone is ill. Get plenty of rest, be physically active, manage your stress, drink plenty of fluids, and eat nutritious food.
Preventing Flu at Work and School
At school
- If an outbreak of flu or another illness occurs at school find out whether flu vaccinations are offered on-site, and other preventive measures that the school would take.
- Make sure your child’s school, childcare program, and/or college routinely clean frequently touched objects and surfaces, and that they have a good supply of tissues, soap, paper towels, alcohol-based hand rubs, and disposable wipes on-site.
- Ask how sick students and staff are separated from others and who will care for them until they can go home, and about the absentee policy for sick students and staff.
At Work
- Find out about your employer’s plans if an outbreak of flu or another illness occurs and whether flu vaccinations are offered on-site.
- Clean frequently touched objects and surfaces, including doorknobs, keyboards, and phones, to help remove germs.
- Make sure there is an adequate supply of tissues, soap, paper towels, alcohol-based hand rubs, and disposable wipes in your workplace.
- Train others on how to do your job so they can cover for you in case you or a family member gets sick and you have to stay home.
- If you begin to feel sick while at work, go home as soon as possible.
Follow these simple tips to protect yourself and others from the flu.
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